Bluebonnet Jewelry Design

AN HONOR TO RECEIVE "ONE LOVELY BLOG" AWARD

2009-06-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank Dee of Runako Designs for awarding me with the "One Lovely Blog" Award. Thank you for being so thoughtful and recognizing my blog. I feel very honored receiving it.

SONG IN COLOR FOR SLAVKO - IF I COULD, I WOULD SING IN COLOR OR CRY IN MUSIC - FEATURED IN TREASURY WEST

2009-06-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Sharon of KnotChaCha has featured one of my necklaces, Purple and Yellow Pendant Necklace in her Treasury West. Check out Sharon's Etsy store because she has lots of beautiful items for sale. Thank you, Sharon, for including my necklace with all these other talented artists' work.

FEATURED ON ETSY TREASURY - MILITARY FATHERS

2009-06-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Mamta whose Etsy shop is the same name, included my pendant, Eagle - POW/MIA - Don't Forget, on her treasury called Military Fathers. Their CreateCrochet team has decided to donate knit/crochet scarves for the military. Sounds like an awesome cause. Thanks Mamta for including my work in your treasury.

DAD, MAY I TAKE THE CAR? - FEATURED ON ETSY TREASURY

2009-05-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Ruth from PurpleDesignStudio featured my 1957 Chevy Bel Air scrabble tile pendant on her Etsy Treasury. Check out Ruth's Etsy Shop to find her wonderful jewelry pieces and earring frames. Thanks, Ruth, for including me in your early Father's Day treasury.

FEATURED ON ETSY TREASURY - ALWAYS REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICE ON THIS UPCOMING MEMORIAL DAY

2009-05-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Next Monday our country observes Memorial Day. A day that thousands of military men and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live, work and play freely. I wish I could thank each and every one of them as well as those who have served in the past and those serving right now. Truly they are all heroes in my eyes.

Kim of WoofPurrCreations included my Iwo Jima pendant in her Treasury, "Always Remember Their Sacrifice". Thank you, Kim, for the honor of being among those Etsy artists that have not forgotten what this day is truly about. Remember Freedom Isn't Free!

FEATURED ON ETSY LONE STAR SPOTLIGHT - ETSY TEXAS CRAFTERS

2009-05-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

I just joined a great group of Texas artists, Etsy Texas Crafters. There are over 700 members and all very talented. Liz of The Lavendar Lizard chose my crystal bracelets to be featured on the Etsy Treasury, Lone Star Spotlight . Why don't you check out the great products sold at Etsy Texas Crafters. I'm sure you'll fine something you like. Thanks Liz for including me in your Treasury.

FEATURED ON ETSY TREASURY- BETWEEN THE MOON AND NYC

2009-05-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Life is but a Charm is being featured on the Etsy Treasury, Between the Moon and NYC by Reflections. Thanks for including my necklace, New York City with coordinating NY state charm. Make sure you check out her Etsy store because it has lots of goodies.

MOTHER'S DAY WISH

2009-05-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

I hope that all the great moms and grandmas can enjoy their day by being with their families or relaxing with a day just to themselves. If you can't be with them, why not give them a call. I know that means a lot. My mom passed away 14 yrs. ago, but I still miss her and think about her every day. So tell your mom or grandma how much you love them. They will never forget it and it means more to them than you know.

Also in this picture, the little girl being kissed is my mom. It was her first one, but not the last.

Have a great Mother's Day!!!

NEW GLASS AND WOOD PENDANTS, NECKLACES, BOOKMARKS AND KEY RINGS

2009-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

I've been hard at work making scrabble tile pendants and have just added glass pendants as well. I have also included necklaces, bookmarks and key rings which have charms that match the theme. My pendants range from funny to sophisticated to serious. If you like Lucy from the I Love Lucy Show, Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley you can find them at either one of my sites. I have some cute necklaces for mothers or grandmothers who love their babies and want to let everyone know they do. There's a necklace for the 2009 graduate. And yes, they do grow up fast.

Why don't you take a look at the wide variety of wood and glass pendants I have. I try to have a little of something for everyone. Take a tour through Life is but a Charm at Etsy and Artfire. Maybe you'll find something there you would love to show off. They also make great gifts.

NEW BRACELETS - NEW COLORS - GREAT FOR MOTHER'S DAY, PROM AND GRADUATION

2009-04-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Spring has been around Texas for a while now so I thought I would make a couple of bracelets with great spring colors. At my Etsy site you can find my new peridot cube bracelet. Then my soft rose bracelet with cute toggle clasp can be found at Artfire. I also found another site today Vote Handmade where you can go and vote for my soft rose bracelet plus they have other great items you can browse. So check it out.

FEATURED ON LUV HANDMADE - UNIQUE DISCOVERIES - NATURE'S SECRETS

2009-04-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Life is but a Charm has been featured on LUV HANDMADE Unique Discoveries. You can find Nature's Secrets at the bottom of the page. Thanks, Emily, for choosing Aspen Trees to be part of your selection. Please check out all the wonderful talent on this site.

A VERY SPECIAL DAY FOR ME

2009-04-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day for me. I married my soulmate and man of my dreams, Rick, 27 years ago. We both lived in Dallas, Texas at the time. When we met we were instantly drawn together and it has been that way every since. Later, by accident, I found that we were really meant to be together.

When I was a little girl about 7 or 8 yrs. old, my family drove from Chicago to California and one of the places we drove through was Tularosa, New Mexico. It didn't mean anything to me at the time. My husband was from Texas but he had lived in Tularosa for a while growing up. When my parents passed away, I received a video tape of vacations our family had gone on when I was growing up. My husband and I decided to watch a few of them. We had only one more video to look at. As the video came on we both recognized something, and I looked at my husband and he looked at me. No it couldn't be - the little white church. It was a video that my mother had taken as we drove through Tularosa, past the beautiful little church and buildings in town we both recognized. Rick and I had gone back there on visits. Of all the towns my family passed through, wasn't it odd that Rick was from that town. My parents never said anything to us about going through there, but I don't think they even remembered they did. If they did, they certainly would have told us. Was my visit through Tularosa a way of telling me I would meet my soulmate some day and he would be from that very town we drove through? I really think it did. It was fate.

Although it took us a while to find each other, spending these 27 years together has brought us the one thing we were both looking for - true love.

EASTER EGG HUNT AT ARTFIRE

2009-03-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

On April 1, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt at Artfire. The top prize is a $50 prize voucher as well as one for $20 and $10 to be spent at one of the Artfire shops. It's free to play. To compete in the contest, you need to sign up at http://easter-eggs-artfire.blogspot.com/

You might want to check out my two shops at Artfire:

http://bluebonnetjewelrydesign.artfire.com/ and http://www.lifeisbutacharm.artfire.com/

Have Fun and Good Luck!

FEATURED ON ETSY TREASURY - BUNNY

2009-03-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when the little bunnies start showing their faces. Life is but a Charm was included in an Etsy Treasury called Bunny. Thanks, Feyza of Madame Houx, for including our cute bunny.

LIFE IS BUT A CHARM - OPENING OF MY SHOPS AT ARTFIRE AND ETSY

2009-03-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted so I wanted to let you know of my two new shops which just opened yesterday. See Life is but a Charm at Artfire and Etsy. I wanted to try something different that doesn't take as many hours to make as my beaded jewelry. (One piece of jewelry can take as much as 40 or more hours to complete.) I also wanted to give my customers affordable jewelry during these hard times all of us are facing. When I say it doesn't take as long as my beaded jewelry, it does take a while to make each Scrabble tile pendant. My wonderful husband takes great photos of all sorts of things like nature, animals, etc. and then downloads all of them, along with copyright free pictures, so I can put them on my pendants. Each tile takes time because of gluing and sealing between coats. It's not a rush job. They all have a glass-like finish, are non-toxic, and the original Scrabble tiles are being reused. I'm also planning on using glass tiles and dominoes that can used for things other than just necklaces. With the purchase of a pendant at either of my shops, you also get a free 24" sterling silver-plated ball chain necklace. It's also nickel-free and won't rust. You can also purchase 18" snake chain or extra ball chains on my sites. The pendants are interchangeable so you can buy a bunch of them and only need to change your necklace when you feel like it. Great to wear with different outfits and moods!

I think it's good to remind everyone that the pendants and chain look like candy to small children. They can be a choking hazard so be sure to keep them out of reach of their little hands and mouth.

These make great gifts for just about everyone. Here are just a few examples: holidays, school events, coaches, teachers, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, birthdays, party favors, baby showers, religious events, cheerleaders, pet lovers, family, friends, teens, weddings, bridal showers, Sweet 16 parties, plus more. Easter and Mother's Day are not far off. I'll be adding more pendants everyday so check by often. If you would like a special order or would like to have a personalized photo of family, friends or pets, just let me know. I would be glad to make a pendant just for you that will make you smile.

FIND MY ITEMS AT ARTFIRE

2009-02-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

I've heard about another great site to sell my jewelry at and it's called ArtFire. I'm still selling at Etsy, but I wanted to give ArtFire a try. It's a little bit different than Etsy, but you can't go wrong if you want to sell something creative on their site, because it's free. No fees at all or for a small charge a month you can put as many items you want on there and you won't have any more charges - just one monthly fee or none at all. You can join guilds plus they have some other things that Etsy doesn't have. If you get a chance, check it out. http://BluebonnetJewelryDesign.artfire.com

THE LEMONADE AWARD

2009-02-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

Jill of Jewelry Elegance by Jill nominated me for The Lemonade Award. This award is presented to to sites that show a positive attitude and gratitude. Thanks so much, Jill, and I truly appreciate it.

FEATURED ON TREASURY "FOR A GOOD CAUSE"

2009-02-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

There are some wonderful artists out there on Etsy that donate to various causes. Brandy and Michelle of Deathly Cute decided to feature various Etsy artists contributing to causes they believe in with a treasurey called "For A Good Cause". I was lucky enough to be part of that Treasury with my Breast Cancer Bracelet. Check out these artists and while you're at it, check out Brandy and Michelle's site.

FEATURED IN TWO ETSY TREASURIES - FANCIFUL FUSHCIA AND TO WEAR WITH MY SHIRT

2009-02-08T14:37:00.000-08:00

Today I was lucky enough to be in two Etsy Treasuries. Kim of Kim Smith's Charm Bracelets, chose my fuchsia bracelet with a grape clasp for the Fanciful Fuchsia Treasury. Check out Kim's colorful and luscious charm bracelets.

Then Essie of Essiewb's Shop included my wire wrapped copper bracelet with pearls and seashells in her Etsy Treasury, To Wear with My Shirt. If you get a chance, stop at Essie's shop for some beautiful knitted garments and accessories.

Thanks Kim and Essie for including my bracelets.

I'VE BEEN FEATURED ON AN ETSY TREASURY - PURPLE DAWN

2009-02-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

In January, Yali of The Essence of Innocence selected my yellow and purple pendant necklace to be part of her Treasury, Purple Dawn, on Etsy. Thanks so much for including me, Yali. Also visit her site of unique funky dolls and illustrations. They will put a smile on your face for sure.

CUSTOM ORDER FOR INAUGURAL BALL

2009-02-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

After being gone for a month, I’m ready to get back to work making new and different items.

During my month away, I was asked to do a custom bracelet for a very nice lady attending one of the Inaugural Balls in Washington D.C. I felt very privileged and honored to do this because she wanted a Texas designer.

I only had a couple days to find out what she wanted, make it and ship it. Everything ran smoothly until the time of delivery. I sent it by Fedex 2 day air and waited to see if it was delivered. It wasn’t delivered on time because it was still sitting at the airport that entire day it was suppose to be delivered. After making some calls to Fedex, and by this time I was really worried, they said they would try to get it out the next day. There was limited service on Inaugural Monday and none on Tuesday. Finally it was delivered the next day and I was really relieved.

I felt a little part of me went to the Inaugural Ball. That is probably a once in a lifetime piece of jewelry.

WISHING A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

2008-12-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

This will be my last blog entry for this year. The year has gone by so fast. I’m sure everyone is making their New Year’s resolutions. Mine is to not make any. That way I can’t break them.

I would like to do some new things in the coming year. I need to be more creative, have more patience and make more jewelry to sell in my Etsy store. Trying to put one new thing in my store every day is hard to do because of the amount of time it takes to make a necklace or bracelet. I’ll keep working on that though. I just need to learn how to bead faster and also stay off the computer. Maybe make more earrings. Wow these are sounding like resolutions. I’m also looking into other ventures to start a second and third shop. I’ll keep you posted when I do.

So what are you resolutions for the coming year?

Also check out the eSMArts Team Shop for some great items. I’m sure find something there for your last purchase of the year.

I will be out of pocket for a couple of weeks starting tomorrow just in case you are wondering where I am. No blogging or putting new items in my store for a little while.

Here’s wishing all of you a healthy and prosperous New Year. May all your wishes and dreams come true. See you next year.

RECEIVED KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD

2008-12-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

My eSMArts friend, Jill Milan of Jewelry Elegance, honored me with the Kreativ Blogger Award. Thank you, Jill. I truly appreciate it.

Here are the rules for passing the award on:

1. The winner may put this award on their blog.

2. Please put a link to the person that presented you for this award.

3. Nominate 5 blogs.

4. Put links to all their blogs.

5. Leave a message for your nominees.

It's an honor to pass the Kreativ Blogger award to the following artists:

Anna Lee Husband of SassyDLite

Teri Baskett of S & T Creations

Tina Cowan of M5 Creative Corners

Lois Linquist of A Beaded Affair

Jamie Elliott of Creations by Jamie

Diane Geisel of MyGemStoneBox

TAKE A LOOK AROUND THE eSMArts STORES AND TEAM SHOP

2008-12-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas is getting closer and I know there are procrastinators out there. You can’t just wait until Christmas Eve and go shopping on the internet and hope that SANTA delivers it by Christmas Day. Unless there is really a Santa that comes down that chimney and knows exactly whether you have been bad or good and of course, what everyone wants. Right?

Most people stress out during the holidays wondering what to get each other. That’s where Etsy comes in. Men this is a great place for you to select gifts too. Wonderful handmade gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and your choices are unbelievable. Get a hot cup of cocoa, coffee or soft drink and take a spin around some of the eSMARTs stores. (I’m a member so don’t forget me.) All you have to do so is go to http://www.etsy.com/ and go to the search button at the top. At the left, click on handmade items, tags, titles and descriptions. Then at the right, type in esmartsteam. That will take you to the handmade items of our group. There are lots and lots of choices there. But don’t wait too long or Santa might not be able to find you on Christmas Eve.

Oh, and don’t forget to go to our team shop, http://www.eSMArts.etsy.com/ for more items. It helps someone in need at the same time.

NEW EARRINGS FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR'S EVE AND WHAT'S THIS --- DOGS

2008-12-07T12:56:00.000-08:00

I recently put some new earrings on my Etsy site http://www.bluebonnetjewelry.etsy.com/ If you like dangles or drops, then check out all the earrings. I just have a few here. The Christmas tree earrings come in red or green plus an added touch of tiny gems sparkle on the red earrings.

For New Year's Eve, I thought aquamarine or amethyst crystal earrings would look great with that special outfit. I think you will certainly turn a few heads wearing these.

I also included some other drop earrings in gold or sterling silver combined with colored metal dangles. You can find a dragonfly sitting upon a garden leaf and the background is a chocolate metal dangle. For the patriotic or military person, I have the heart flag on top of red and blue metal dangles. I also just sold a pair of earrings with the State of Texas on top and denium blue and dark chocolate dangles on the bottom.

I didn't forget the dog lovers out there. Check out the dog lover's earrings. One earring says I Love Dogs and the other one has a Dawg bowl and bone. I don't think anyone will have these earrings except you. By the way, I have a dog lover's bracelet waiting for a good home.

I really enjoyed making all of these earrings and will be putting some more up in my store in the near future. So check out my shop because there might be something there just for you. Or you can always leave a little hint to Santa.

MY LARIAT WAS CHOSEN FOR THIS WEEK'S BEADERS SHOWCASE

2008-11-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

My teal and soft blue lariat was chosen as This Week's Showcase at Beader's Showcase. You can see it here too http://www.beadersshowcase.com/ Three artists are chosen each week. It certainly is an honor. Even though I've only been there are short time, Beader's Showcase is a great place for beaders to show off their work and meet some great people.

CHECK OUT eSMArts ETSY SHOP FOR GREAT CHRISTMAS SELECTIONS

2008-11-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

I'm part of a great group called the eSMArts Team. Recently we opened the eSMArts Team Shop which is created to Pay It Forward in helping others in need. Members voluntarily donate an item or more, in some cases, to the store.

There is something for everyone!!

You will find children's clothing, jewelry, quilts, oil paintings and prints, and supplies such as copper wire and findings at super prices. They are all handmade by artists that really care about their work. Some of the artists are even including free or minimum shipping.

Take a look around at http://www.eSMArts.etsy.com/ and start your holiday shopping. It sure beats all those crowded malls and you will be getting one of a kind items.

Happy Holidays!!!!

WISHING ALL A HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is just a few days away. People will be flying or driving home to see their families and friends. There will be big meals with all the trimmings and lots of talking and laughing at the table.

Each one of us has something to be thankful for. Even sometimes when everything seems to be going wrong in your life, you can still be thankful for waking up every day and looking out the window to see all the little things we take for granted. Or your little dog or cat that keeps you company as you sit alone watching tv.

Please don't forget to be thankful for all the men and women in the service who keep our beautiful country free. My husband missed many Thanksgivings and holidays to do just that - let us live each day in a free and independent country where anything is possible. Even when you have people around you, it can be a very lonely time as you think of your family back home. We forget there is a war going on. We also forget about the wounded or those who gave their life for freedom (the ultimate sacrifice) and the war veterans of past wars. They are all heros in my eyes. Today would be a good day to remember them.

So hug somebody on Thanksgiving and whisper a little thank you in their ear - just because. I know that's what I will do for my husband on this special day where it's just the two of us.

And I wish all of you, wherever you may be, a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

FEATURED ON ETSY TREASURY - A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

2008-10-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

I was really surprised when Janet Lilly featured my cube bracelet in her Treasury, A Night on the Town. Everyone's work was fantastic and I'm glad I was part of it. Thanks, Janet.

BEAD EMBROIDERY

2008-10-20T12:30:00.001-07:00

I love to do bead embroidery. Bead embroidery is sewing beads onto fabric sort of like bead appliqué. You can stitch anything on fabric as long as the beads or thread holds it to the fabric. The supplies consist of thread, seed beads, cabochons, or beads of your choice, needles, ruler, scissors, glue, bead scoop, marker, toothpick for spreading glue and a bead board. Depending on how you finish your work, you might also need a crimper, needlenose pliers and wire cutters. Most of these supplies you already have around the house. You will also need a foundation to bead on like Lacy’s Stiff Stuff or Easy Felt that you can buy at your craft store. These foundations are stiff enough to bead on. You will also need ultrasuede to finish the back of the project.

So after accumulating all your supplies, you’re ready to bead. The sky is the limit on how to do bead embroidery and what your imagination can come up with. To learn more about bead embroidery, you can see the beautiful necklaces and bracelets by these two artists, Sherry Serafini (http://www.serafinibeadedjewelry.com/) and Heidi Kummli’s (http://www.freespiritcollection.com/) .

Together they wrote a fantastic bead book called “The Art of Bead Embroidery.” It shows detailed pictures of how to do each project, and there are 11 of them in the book. If you like this type of beadwork, you’ll be hooked immediately. Also Google “bead embroidery” to find out more about it and look at some great eye candy. You’ll also find other great books on this subject.

I will be taking 2 classes from Sherry Serafini in November. One’s a necklace and the other one she is teaching is a bracelet. I’ve tried to get into her classes for at least 4 years but the classes were either too far away or something came up. But this time, I made sure I could attend her classes. After taking her classes, I’ll let you know all the details.

FEATURED ON WORLD ARTISAN GEMS

2008-10-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

I was very lucky to be picked by World Artisan Gems to do an interview. They have many talented artists there. Their different specialties are in beadwork, wire, glass art and jewelry art. If you would like to read my interview, just follow this link:

http://worldartisangems.com/2008/10/10/yvonne-cornelius/

COLLAGE OF MY JEWELRY

2008-09-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Anna Lee Husband, owner of eSMArts Team on Etsy, did a consultation with me about my jewelry that is featured on my etsy site. I felt very honored because Anne Lee goes to great lengths to share with other artisians in the group ways of promoting and advertising their work. As a group, we promote each other. You can find Anna Lee's gorgeous work at http://www.gahooletreesupplies.etsy.com/ and http://www.sassydlite.etsy.com/.

Have a look at the article and fantastic collage of pictures Anna Lee did at http://esmarts.blogspot.com/ It's called BlueBonnet Jewelry Design by Yvonne.

LOVE SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS

2008-09-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Swarovski crystals are in so much of my jewelry. I just can't get enough of them. This lariat made with teal and soft blue crystals is another example of how something so simple comes to life with all its sparkling crystals and bronze seed beads. This is one of my favorites, and I'll be doing more with those wonderful crystals in the future. You can find my lariat at my etsy shop http://www.bluebonnetjewelry.etsy.com/

While living in Europe, my husband and I got the chance to go to Austria and see Swarovski crystals and all that they made. They had such a variety of pieces, such as animals, jewelry that took your breath away, figurines, vases, the famous Swan, the largest crystal and much more. It was truly a memorable experience.

FEATURED ON ETSY TREASURY

2008-09-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

My black cube bracelet is featured in the Etsy Treasury of Black, White and Red All Over done by Debbie of unicorngem1994.etsy.com Lots of talent by the eSMArts Team is featured in this Treasury and everyone did a great job.

COLLECTIONS

2008-09-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

I’m a collector. Of what, you say? Of several things. I love angels so I collect different statues of them plus a metal angel is in each car just for extra protection. Besides I need all the help I can get from up there. Another collection is my Santas. I have wooden ones, resin ones, metal ones, crazy looking ones, ceramic ones, and Texas ones. They only come out at Christmas so I just have a little time to enjoy them. Horses (not the real ones) and birdhouses are some more collections. They go into decorating my home. Then there are the baskets – mostly ones I’ve made. They can be very elaborate or simply something plain like picking strands of different materials Mother Nature leaves behind and weaving them into something unusual. I’ve even made necklaces of them using bark.

I think everyone has some kind of collection. My husband collects and plays guitars. His other obsession is golf. When we were living in Germany, we did a lot of traveling to different countries. Travel means collecting, right? While visiting Poland, we came upon this flea market. The men would carve from one piece of wood, life-like replicas of different professions. For $8 each I bought a baker and a musician. If I would have stayed there much longer, I would have had a larger collection.

I usually don’t get obsessed with my collections. I’m careful not to buy too many so that we have some place to live in our house. But one collection I do obsess about, and I can never have too many of, is beads. I like them all. There are seed beads that are made in Japan and the Czech Republic from size 2 (large) to size 22 (tiny). Charlottes, which are tiny beads that are cut in such a way, they sparkle when turned. There are Delicas or Tohos made in Japan that are cut so precisely that they fit perfectly together. More beads that bring sparkle and shine to my jewelry are drops, pearls, crystals, shells, triangular beads, cubes, gemstones, cabochons, lampwork beads, dichroic pendants and on and on. The colors, sizes, and shapes help create that one special bracelet or unique necklace. I started with a tube of beads and now have a roomful.

So you never know where your collection might lead you. Maybe after buying paintings, you will now start painting them yourself. You’re not finding the right marbles for your collection, so you start making your own but find glass blowing in the process. You might collect pieces of interesting wood, but now you are thinking of making toys or faces out of them. It’s funny how collections can turn into something else. But be careful, they all are addictive. I’m giving you fair warning.

A NECKLACE WITH A LOT OF BLING

2008-08-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

I sure had a lot of fun making this necklace. It's from a pattern by Laura McCabe from Just Let Me Bead. All my favorite beads, crystals, and pearls were used to make this striking necklace. The cabochon was beaded with size 11 and 15 seed beads then embellished with drops both on the front as well as the back. The rest of the necklace was done with a spiral rope and again embellished (heavily) with different size seed beads, pearls, leaves, flowers, and drops. It's finished with even more pearls and seed beads. All someone has to do is tie it around their neck and it's ready to go. Even though this took many hours to make, it was so much fun to do I didn't want to put it down or ever finish it. Now for my next new idea. To see more pictures of this necklace, go to my Flicker site http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluebonnetjewelry/

STYLE

2008-08-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

It took me some time but I finally have a blog and have joined the “Bloggers of the World”. So I’m thinking to myself, what’s next. Can I possibly make a blog that would interest other people? I’ll take a stab at it and start with something that I know how to do.

Women have been making jewelry since the beginning of time. Picture a cavewoman with her necklace of rocks of different sizes around her neck. (I know you are thinking of Wilma Flintstone.) I bet she was sure proud of it. Maybe she started a beading guild to teach other cavewomen how to make these necklaces. From there, her new group of friends made everything from earrings to toe rings. Fast forward to today and the variety of jewelry is colossal. Everyone has different tastes and styles. Do you make jewelry to please yourself or do you think about what someone else would like? I try to do a little of both.

Making jewelry is my passion. Using those tiny seed beads, gorgeous Swarovski crystals, cabochons, and all types of beads imaginable, I weave them into a piece of jewelry that someone would admire or want to show off to their friends. Maybe a boyfriend or husband is looking for just the right gift to give to his lady but isn’t exactly sure what to get but knows the colors she likes. When making a piece of jewelry, I like to find out what colors that person likes; how big should it be; bold or soft-looking, necklace or bracelet, and silver or gold. When I get these questions answered, I can hopefully make a necklace or bracelet that person would take one look at and say, WOW, that’s exactly what I wanted.

I will continue to make jewelry and hopefully someone will like it enough to buy it. My type of jewelry can take 40 or more hours to make. I love putting each bead on that piece because I know the outcome will be a piece of jewelry that stands out in a crowd. I’m not sure if I’ve found my style yet but I’ll keep trying. When I’ve finally find it, I’ll know for sure. What’s your jewelry style?